It was not always clear what Red Nose Day ever was about, and even less so this year when its cause (anti-poverty) is conflated with pandemic relief (which may mean we have to wear a mask and a rubber nose).
Anyway, it kicks off with Jack Black presenting a “Celebrity Escape Room” (NBC, 8 p.m.) from which Adam Scott, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow have to escape.
Then the two hour special “Red Nose Day” (NBC, 9 p.m.) features more celebrities and more fundraising, with “This is Us” stars Mandy Moore and Justin Hartley presiding. Performances are expected from James Taylor, Sam Smith, John Legend, OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding, Steve Martin, Meghan Trainor, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and 5 Seconds of Summer. Comics appearing include Jim Gaffigan, Ray Romano, Ricky Gervais, Sarah Silverman, and Tony Hale.
Kristin Davis hosts the newest dating show, “Labor of Love” (Fox 9 p.m.) on which 15 men compete for the love of a 41-year-old family-minded woman, Kristy Katzmann.
Mini-golf gets super-sized and super silly in this “Wipe Out” inspired TV competition, “Holey Moley II: The Sequel” (ABC, 9 p.m.). Egging players on are commentators Rob Riggle, Joe Tessitore, Stephen Curry and Jeannie Mai.
Kristin Kreuk returns for a third season as the investigative lawyer in “Burden of Truth” (CW, 8 p.m.), who is now married to her law partner played by Peter Mooney. It’s not to be confused with the game show “To Tell the Truth” (ABC, 10 p.m.), which returns for a fifth season, with Anthony Anderson presiding.
Some of the last survivors help retell the stories of “WWII in Europe: Voices from the Front” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.). It’s followed by the airmen from the battle, “Heroes of the Sky: The Mighty Eighth Air Force” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.).
Teddy is punished for bad grades on “Man with a Plan” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.).
On “Broke” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.), Jackie is banned from her son’s soccer games.
The BBC co-production “The Split” (Sundance, midnight), about a family of female divorce lawyers, returns for its fifth season.
“Top Chef” (Bravo, 10 p.m.) has the six remaining contestants do a quick fire dessert.
“Portals to Hell” (Travel, 10 p.m.) travels to Denver.
You’d never invite these goofs over for “Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party” (truTV, 10 p.m.), even if there weren’t a pandemic.
On “Siren” (Freeform, 10 p.m.), Tia attacks Bristol Cove.
Kaitlin Olson, Dr. Phil and Lauren Lapkus play “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
On “In the Dark” (CW, 9 p.m.), Max is at the end of a rope.
Leah goes to a Russian bath house on “Housewives of New York City” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
There’s another round of “Coronavirus: Facts and Fears: A CNN Global Town Hall” (CNN, 8 p.m.).
Nicole can’t decide whether to freeze her eggs on “Total Bellas” (E!, 9 p.m.).
On “Restaurant: Impossible” (Food, 9 p.m.), an eatery in Houston needs help.
Ruston, La., is the destination for the trio on “We’re Here” (HBO, 9 p.m.).
Romeo has upset the cast on “Growing Up Hip Hop” (WeTV, 9 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies continues its month-long Thursday night salute to Edward G. Robinson with his good guy roles: “Kid Galahad” (8 p.m.), “Smart Money” (10 p.m.), “Double Indemnity” (11:30 p.m.), “The Stranger” (1:30 a.m.), “Confessions of a Nazi Sky” (3:15 a.m.) and “Illegal” (5:15 a.m.).
During the day TCM salutes Robert Montgomery, born this day in 1904, with “Yellow Jack” (6:30 a.m.), “Fugitive Lovers” (8 a.m.), “Hide-Out” (9:30 a.m.), “Piccadilly Jim” (11 a.m.), “Ever Since Eve” (12:45 p.m.), “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (2:15 p.m.), “Night Must Fall” (4 p.m.) and “Lady in the Lake” (6 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Debra Messing, Monica Margin. The View: Yvette Nicole Brown. The Talk: Clark Gregg, Glennon Doyle. Ellen DeGeneres: Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas. Kelly Clarkson: Ian Somerhalder, Wilson Phillips, Pentatonix (rerun). Tamron Hall: Andre Leon Talley, Drs. Erin & Ben Schroeder. Wendy Williams: Michael Rapaport (rerun). The Real: Janelle Monáe.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Joe Biden, Milky Chance & Jack Johnson. Jimmy Kimmel: Kevin Hart. Jimmy Fallon: Sofia Vergara, Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Courtney Barnett. Seth Meyers: Janelle Monáe, Patton Oswalt. James Corden: Rob Gronkowski, Venus Williams, HAIM. Lilly Singh: Ilana Glazer (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Stephen Colbert (rerun).